VIEWED AS A RECREATION. 117 



so that the last joins to the first, as well as to that 

 by which it was preceded. Secondly, that three 

 of these circles always unite among themselves, and 

 form a larger circle. Now these laws, it must be 

 remembered, repose upon the firmest of all found- 

 ations, namely, that of analysis; and are, consequently, 

 capable of demonstrative proof. When, therefore, 

 we find these laws hold good in every division of 

 the animal world — when we discover that the con- 

 tents of one circle are represented by those of 

 another, and that by no other theory can we explain 

 those innumerable phenomena and relations which 

 we see in nature — we cannot for a moment believe 

 that this extraordinary harmony is not a part of the 

 system of creation.* 



(64.) II. If we are asked, what are the chief uses 

 and what the advantages of natural history? we 

 should reply, that it not only leads us to look to 

 heaven, but that it opens one of the greatest sources 

 of happiness on earth. In the preceding pages, 

 we have dwelt sufficiently on the first of these 

 topics ; we will now enquire into the second. It 

 might be expected, perhaps, that, before we enu- 

 merated these minor advantages of natural history, 

 we should show in what manner it is an intellectual 

 science ; and thereby make good its claim to be 

 ranked among those which, for their successful 



* The Christian philosopher will not fail to perceive the 

 interesting field of enquiry which here expands itself; in 

 which he may observe the close analogy that exists between 

 the revealed character of God, and the material creatures of 

 His creation. 



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